Gov’t signs policies to strengthen TVET, address skills gap

May 10, 2024

PASAY CITY - Following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) signed two critical Joint Memorandum Circulars (JMC) on Friday to intensify government’s commitment to improve the country’s education system and to better prepare Filipino graduates for work.

“We are very serious about enhancing the skills of all Filipino workers, making them job ready for the technical and digital jobs that would be opened through the investments that we have secured,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during his Labor Day speech at Malacañang Palace.

The JMCs were signed by DepEd Undersecretary Atty. Michael Wesley T. Poa, representing Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, TESDA Deputy Director General Rosanna A. Urdaneta, representing TESDA Director General, Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, and Commissioner Ethel Valenzuela, representing CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera, III.

The first JMC, titled "Ensuring Quality-Assured Assessment for Certification of Senior High School Technical-Vocational Livelihood Track”, is spearheaded by the DepEd and TESDA to institutionalize mandatory assessment for Senior High School Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) Track students. Through the leadership of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, funding was allocated in the 2024 General Appropriations Act for the mandatory assessment of the Grade 12 TVL learners and the capability building program for DepEd teachers to become accredited competency assessors.

The second JMC is a collaborative effort involving DepEd, TESDA, CHED, and DOLE. The initiative aims to embed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into all SHS tracks to equip the youth with industry-relevant skills and knowledge that will significantly enhance workforce readiness and employability of the SHS learners.

A significant collaboration milestone among the education agencies and the labor sector, the two JMCs are aligned with the President’s strong commitment to TVET in the country. Likewise, the JMCs will harmonize the policies and programs of TESDA, DepEd, CHED, and DOLE to address skills gaps in the labor market.

According to Secretary Mangudadatu, the mandatory assessment for SHS TVL students and the embedment of TVET in the SHS curriculum will open up a lot of opportunities for its beneficiaries whether they opt to pursue a degree or enter the workforce after graduation.

“Harmonizing the policies of TESDA, DepEd, CHED, and DOLE is crucial for ensuring a cohesive and effective educational system that addresses the needs of learners at all levels. It serves as a public affirmation of the government's dedication to enhancing TVET nationwide, specifically emphasizing the SHS level,” Secretary Mangudadatu said.

Meanwhile, present during the ceremonial signing were the Commissioners of the EDCOM II, and representatives from various government agencies, developmental partners, labor groups, and academic institutions.

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